2o years as a fashion model that led to celebrity makeup artist to writer...
We'll check in with the latest and greatest in the biz.
Makeup interviews, insights, quotes and products galore.
Some unconventional beauty insight too.
http://jacquelinecioffa.com

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Pressed for time, I didn't get to the false lashes. I applied a sparkly, gold shimmer eye instead, bronze, peach cheeks, and a killer brown lip. Sometimes we get dolled up for a night on the town, a big occasion. Others, we put our best face forward for someone else. That is the biggest, best gift of all. Caring, making an effort even when you don't feel like it.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Let's face it, the festivities are closing in. The mad dash for presents, the smell of molasses from the kitchen, the colored lights, evergreen tree and sparkly decorations. I'm not a fan of the holiday season, I'd rather be snuggled in my pj's watching a movie. Hey, it's once a year. Got to put on a brave face, make the effort. Since this is a 'pick me up post,' and every girl can use a little e.l.f.'in magic in their life, why not brighten the eyes with some false lashes. Pretty lashes are my go to easy, glam fix. I love to pop on a pair, apply a bit of bright lip gloss, concealer, and I feel better. Ready to face the iPhone cameras with a smile. e.l.f. Essential Natural Lash Kit cost a buck, and are worth 100 pennies. e.l.f. "No mess, no hassle - just naturally beautiful lashes! Get full lashes for any occasion with our top-rated Natural Lash Kit. Easy application and comfort grip gel allows for multiple uses so you can achieve natural looking lush lashes again and again."At that price, you can gift them to your girlfriends, voila glamour.

I didn't buy many presents this year, but I did purchase doubles of children's Christmas pajamas. I donated one pair to charity. A child somewhere will wake up with a present under the tree. In the art of 'pick me up' and spirit of giving, that feels pretty to me.

Monday, December 16, 2013

'Beauty and a buck, pick me up' holiday challenge continues.The holidays aren't about the grandiose of a gift, or the amount. It's about the spirit of giving, even if all you have is pocket change. Skip the Starbucks for a few days and you'll have plenty of dough to go around. .97 cents buys Nivea Creme in the little blue travel tin. '100 years in the making,' the pint size moisturizing gem that packs a punch. I love the clean, unforgettable scent, made from essential oils. The creamy texture, absorbs instantly into the skin. The intense moisturizer can be applied to the face and whole body. Ideal for sensitive, dry skin, a dab goes a long way. If you're like the rest of the country, you're buried under snow, braving freezing temperatures and plain old grouchy. Turn that frown upside down, pick up some blue tins of hydrating magic. Have a neighbor that doesn't get any visitors, a friend who's going through a bad breakup or even a co-worker whose had a string of bad luck? Buy Nivea Creme Travel Tins, tape a penny to the top for luck (heads up), and wrap it up. Give it away, totally unexpected. The pint size gift of kindness, a small token from the heart. Guaranteed pretty, bring an instant grin to someone's face. .97 cents well spent.

Friday, December 13, 2013

I apologize for my longer than anticipated absence. Self publishing a book requires more time and effort than I thought. Patience, what's that?!Since it's the holidays, and I missed y'all, I thought I'd do something different this year. I could contact my PR ladies, write about a bunch of fancy, amazing beauty products. Then, it dawned on me. The majority of us, me included won't indulge or can't afford them. These are crazy days we live in.Gov't. shutdowns, Obamacare, 450 million dollar websites that don't work, Beyonce, KK and Miley Cyrus trending on social media, turmoil is everywhere. The world is a hot mess, and not so beautiful after all.When I watched the coverage of Nelson Mandela's inspiring, honorable, legendary life and passing, my eyes filled with tears. Every single time, I could not help it. Overcome with emotion, the collective love and celebration. Beauty comes in many forms and unexpected places.For the holiday season, I decided my personal challenge was to write, pick me up posts.Not all cosmetic, and under a dollar. They may not be beauty related, but let's start there.With a festive mini gloss, and some sparkling cheer. I use Sally Beauty's Mini Lip Gloss Wands, a lot. At $.99 cents, I give them away to clients.A dollar and a dream may not seem like much, but thoughtfulness in a shimmery, raspberry gloss goes a long way.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Excuse my lack of frequency in all things beautiful. I am taking a sort break to work out Manuscript kinks and get down to business. I will be back full force soon, lipstick loaded.

In the meantime, here's is a Chapter from the book. The flip side of Modeling.

Enjoy :)

Milano and Pretty Things

excerpt The Vast Landscape

by Jacqueline Cioffa

Harrison arrives at the station. It’s the 80’s, she wears 501’s, black tank top and a ripped jean jacket. Her hair is short red, the bleached blond streak is back. She’s listening to George Michael on her Walkman. She shuffles her black Doc Martens with the red stitching to and fro, growing impatient. Bustling men in sleek suits with slick hair smile, women decked out in designer wares, clunky gold jewelry, garish crocodile handbags have dry, poofy hair. They sneer, keeping a healthy distance. Harry stands out like a sore thumb. Freakishly tall, stunning, lanky with the smell of American model written all over her. A young boy races up. “Are you Harry? Sorry I’m late traffic was,” flustered has a heavy accent. She grins and tries not to roll her eyes back in her head. “I’m going to take you, first to the agency for keys, then apartment.” She nods, shrugging. Nice grammar, kid. He smokes in the car. What the hell she lights up, soon to realize everyone smokes. Harrison lives on vino and cigarettes and the occasional tomato, mozzarella salad. No pasta for her, she’s been warned to keep her weight at 120 lbs. They threaten to send her home if she gets fat. Small price to pay for fame. The apartment is gorgeous and gross, a duplex with skylights, high marble ceilings, tile floors and four other girls. “Fuck me.” She’d never seen anything like it. Clothes’ thrown haphazardly on chairs, beds, the floor, anyplace they landed. Bloody tampons on the bathroom floor, hot irons left plugged in, wet clothes hung from racks, mismatched shoes thrown about, food and dishes piled high in the sink. It looked like a war zone. “Pigs.” Harry puts her duffle on the empty bed upstairs where it’s clean, there’s open sky and air. Figuring it’ll be quiet, she lights a Red. “I don’t plan on making friends with these bitches. Stick to the plan Harry, magazine covers, fame, Hollywood.”

“Call your boss, send a maid. I’m not living in this filth.”

“The maid is Fridays,” the boy shrugs.

“Call.”

“I’ll have a chit chat with the girls. They’ll come around.”

When I’m throughthe whores won’t know what hit ‘em.

“Hi. I’m Katia. I think you’re my new roommate, “bounding up the stairs. A drop dead, gorgeous fiery redhead with hair down her back ascends the wooden steps, looking frazzled. “I saw you shooting today at the Studio. I was on a cattle call.”

“Ok.” Harrison humors her not sure why. She’s intrigued and relieved to have someone to talk with. She looks older than fifteen, very good sign. “We’ll get along just fine. I need silence, dark to sleep. That’s it. Oh, and a clean space, “ Harrison immediately spewing demands.

“Um, ok. Whatever. Sure.” Katia looks at Harry like she’s nuts, rolls off her back. She stands her ground not batting an eyelid. Her signature know it all smile, mocking Harrison.

The clear formula guides the razor over delicate skin. Enriched with botanicals,Vitamins A and E and moisture microbeads, Anti-Bumps Shave Gellubricates skin for a smooth shave. Every time. One less bathing-beauty hassle to worry about.

Monday, July 15, 2013

L'Oreal Colour Richehas launched the very sweet,tantalizing Color me Pink Collection.Get it while it's hot girls, and do I mean mean sweltering.Summer is here in full swing.Pink looks refreshing on any skin tone, an instant breezy pick me up.

Colour Riche LipstickColor Me Pink Collection is bright, bold and beautiful. The hydrating, creamy, rich hues are spot on for summer.I Pink You're Cute, a bubble gum pink compliments blond maidens and fair skin tones. Fresh as a Rose with shimmery hints of red and coral screams blushing bride. I love to use a bold shade on the lip, keeping the face and eyes bare."In addition to nourishing ingredients like Omega 3 and Vitamin E, the formula is enriched with Argan Oil to condition and soften lips."Voluminous Million Lashes in Blackest Black adds maximum volume lashes without messy clumps. Super size million dollar brush. Intensify and accentuate those gorgeous eyes.I had to step out in 90 degree heat to show off the sublime Color Me Pink CollectionColour Riche le Gloss. The super-hydrating, sheen texture, a girl can't help but get excited. Berry Chic, Rosy Demeanor and Pucker Up Pink's delicate specks of shimmer sunshine brighten the lip and your mood instantly. Pick up one, two or three Color Me Pink shades. Whether a stay at home mommy, bride in training, TV anchor, reality star or celebrity, nothing stands between a girl and her Colour Riche Le Gloss by L'Oreal.

Crushed Chromesputs the metal to the petal in dazzling, bright chrome shades. Crush on Caribbeanteal with micro specks of green glitter brings the ocean to your fingertips and toes smack dab in the middle of the concrete jungle.

Crystal Confettiputs the P in pizazz. Wear the funky shades alone or as a topcoat over Crushed Chrome for the ultimate finishing touch curtain call. With names like fireworks, hip hip hooray, jubilee you can't help but burst into song. The color range is spectacular from green apple to vibrant purple, red & blue, silver and black ice.

Neon nails scream take me back to the '80s. The nostalgia, the electricity, the trailblazing days of Madonna, plastic bangles and neon green fishnet stockings. Only the very bold will go there. I loVe the Itzy Glitzcollection. Neon yellow, pink, green and blue. I can't paint my toes fast enough. There's a pretty subtle shade of salmon if you want to take it down a notch. Perhaps paint only your ring finger or toe with a pop of neon color. Go ahead and celebrate life. Embrace the artist that lives in you.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Gerovital PlantEssential Moisturizing Cream light formula smooths andrejuvenates the face. The superior hydrating Plant FORTE Moisturizing Cream is enriched with Phytoceramides to help protect and renew. Super hydrating, fragrance free, non-greasy texture is the perfect prep before every makeup application. European creams, potions and lotions take luxury skincare up a notch.

"The Gerovital-GH3 products Made in Romania are the true legacy of Professor Doctor Ana Aslan. The Gerovital Plant FORTEproducts are fragrance free, alcohol free and synthetic colorants free, with a content of over 90% natural ingredients.

ASLAVITAL Anti-Wrinkle Mineralizing Cream with SPF 15Eco-certified Goji berri extract and 100 percent Clay kicks some serious butt. Wrinkles beware.If you can't get away for a Spa Treatment or make a trip to the ancient Mayans where Clay is known for healing properties, no problem. ASLAVITAL comes to you. Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free designed for Sensitive Skin. In the artificial age of plastic, I say we get back to the basics. Everything your skin needs can be found in nature. ASLAVITALnurtures the planet, body and soul, one Eco friendly client at a time.

Friday, June 21, 2013

June 21st, ahhh. Summer is finally here. You know what that means girls, bathing suits, short shorts, tanks, skirts,pretty flowing dresses. Yup, time for some serious grooming.Smooth, silky skin requires effort, and a whole lot of pampering. Forget Superman, no!no! hair removal is here, the slickest hair removal device in town. The pain-free, zero mess design you can use at home.Get your creative juices flowing, no!no!is holding an awesome contest. Design the baddest, coolest no!no! hair device. The winning design will be sold nationwide, you get one of your own and a $500 gift card from NeovaSmartSkincare. SCORE! The top four designs will be posted on no!no!'s Facebook page. Super cute, fun and functional.Sounds like a sweet deal. Anything that cuts down prep, leaves more time for fun in the sun is alright by me. Say yes!yes! to no!no!

'You Have Until July 31, 2013...Ready. Set. no!no!

The hottest selling hair remover in the world is looking for a stylish new design! Download one or both of the templates below and send us your design. You could win the chance of a lifetime and get your design produced on a no!no!, get one of your own designed no!no!s AND a $500 gift card for Neova® SmartSkincare.

RULES FOR THE CONTEST:

This contest is limited to US contestants.

The uploaded file must be in .jpg or .gif format and cannot exceed 5MBs.

Friday, June 14, 2013

It's official.Marc Jacobs’s beauty lineis coming to Sephora. ThanksWWDfor the teaser. You can be sure the collection will be anything but boring. Beauty-nistas, Publicists, and Beauty Editors will be watching. Mr. Jacob has quite the devoted Celebrity following. The oh so chic makeup artiste to the stars, Troy Jensengives Marc Jacob Beauty a shout out on Facebook.The color cosmetics line launches August 9 at Sephora and Marc Jacobs stores. The weekend of July 19 Sephora will debut a sample of the line. Five products premiere the glam to come.

Monday, June 10, 2013

When it comes to make-up I'm jaded, I admit it. I've spent a good portion of my life in the chair, and on the opposite side painting faces. I'm lucky, been exposed to high-end, medium and affordable brands. FLOWER, affordable quality beauty with a conscience got me. I was curious. Clean, functional makeup made available. Works for me. Throw in the forever bubbly, sunny Drew Barrymore as an owner, instant deal-breaker. "All products are proudly Made in the USA and are never tested on animals." Double deal-breaker. Diane Sawyer and David Muir could use FLOWER on ABC, "Made in America Series." Beauty and a do good Celebrity, makes a great story.Let's talk about the rich floral palette of products.

Sheer Up The high-gloss Lip Tint glides on smooth and stays.The sheer balm comes in five juicy shades, Bare Blush, Sheer Blossom, Dewy Rose, Lacy Laurel and Airy Orchid.From pale taupe to pastel pink to red, there's a shade for everyone. I'm digging Airy Orchid, a ruby color that matches the lip adds shine and mystery. Sheer Up has no taste, gotta love that! Applies with one precision swipe in a jumbo crayon. Can't find a big sharpener? This beauty comes with it's own built in retractable twist up. Neat product and efficient packaging.

Available at Walmart, FLOWER is affordable chic beauty. "How do we do it? We do not pay for advertising. Where other beauty brands spend a vast percentage of the cost of their products on ads, we do not. Drew, as an owner of the brand, takes pride in promoting Flower, which in turn allows us to put all of our resources into the formulas and packaging, and not into advertising.

Custom-formulated with the same ingredients used in luxury make-up, our exclusive botanical-infused Soft-Focus Complex illuminates for a lit-from-within effect."

About Me

Jacqueline Cioffa was an international model for 17 years and celebrity makeup artist. She is a dog lover, crystal collector and Stone Crab enthusiast. Her work has been featured in “Brainstorms, the Anthology” and numerous literary magazines. Living with manic depression, Jacqueline is an advocate for mental health awareness. She's a storyteller, observer, essayist, potty mouth and film lover who's traveled the world.

Her poignant, literary fiction debut THE VAST LANDSCAPE gives new meaning to intense, raw and heartfelt.

Fans of the emotional, soul stirring first novel will not be able to put GEORGIA PINE the exciting sequel down.

“The essence continues because you do. Hope is our greatest asset. To choose hope against the worst possible odds is the true measure of life.” - GEORGIA PINE, by Jacqueline Cioffa

Jacqueline Cioffa pens the column, "Bleeding Ink" with Feminine Collective from her heart to yours.